I spent part of the day that Earl passed sitting in a corner booth at a McDonald's.  It was raining outside. Those few hours were spent crying, answering work emails and taking sips of coffee and diet soda.  I’m sure it looked odd to those passing by my table, but I didn't want to let the moment pass to contemplate my time on this Earth with Earl.  I reflected on things such as our time in church together, car trips to West Virginia, shooting the basketball in his back yard, and him giving me my first car when I turned sixteen. I’ve come to believe that other than accepting Christ Jesus as savior, the only thing of real importance is that your love for family and friends be manifest.  Earl showed that love to me, and I’m forever grateful.   Literally every time that I would see him, he would always say “If you need anything, you call me”, and he always followed it with “and I mean that.” He did mean it.  I’ll miss him. 

Earl Ray was a wonderful and funny man.   The stories he told made me laugh so hard, I couldn't breathe!!  His laugh was contagious!!   I will always remember his smile and generosity.  He will be missed by so many.   We all loved you and you knew that.  Rest in Peace  Earl Ray.  

Earl was a fine Christian gentleman I enjoyed golfing with on  PRMC golf outings. He was an excellent golfer and he could tell a golf story or two.  The world was a  better place with him in it.    Tommy Vaughan

My dearest friend Ulrike, 
How lucky you and Earl were to have found each other! My heart breaks for you in the loss of your beloved Sweetie Pie. He will always be your “Schatz” and I can only imagine how much you will miss his company.  I remember Earl telling me and David that during Earl’s 40+ years at NNS, he never had any complaints against him by the many associates he managed. That must be some kind of record at NNS, but we were not surprised to hear it because deep down Earl was such a good man.  He was always ready to extend kindness and a helping hand to all.   Love, Kate

We miss Earl Ray more than words can express.  His passing has left a void in our lives.  He came to live with us during summer breaks  before he finished high school.  After he finished school, he moved to Hampton from West Virginia to be near us.  There was nothing he would not do for us, our children and our grandchildren.  He always made time to attend sports events for our oldest son (Michael) and our grandsons (Cole and Collin).  This past December, he attended a birthday party for our youngest granddaughter.  He was so weak he could hardly move around but nothing would do but for him to be there.   We have fond memories of the times we spent with Earl and Eureka going to local church singings and going to various restaurants to eat together and talk and share memories and stories.  We cherish the times that we spent together.  We enjoyed the times when he and his family were young and we traveled with them to visit relatives and friends.   

I knew Earl for only a short period of time through his association with the Peninsula Retired Men's Club.  It was always a pleasure to play golf with him.  No matter how poorly I played, he always had words of encouragement and praise.  He was the epitome of a  gentleman and showed genuine concern for the well-being of all his friends. We  will sorely miss him.
Henry Bennett

My heart is full of sadness.  I will love and miss you forever.  

Earl  was a great man and set a good example for us all on how to live our lives. I was fortunate to play softball and golf with Earl, he was a very good athlete and always positive.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Gibson Family.......Joey Maben and Family

 What a wonderful guy so happy that he was part of my childhood. Sad that we didn’t get to see each other much but I know God has blessed you in so many ways. My heart goes out to your family and pray God will give them strength as they say goodbye but know that we will see you  some day,  I look forward to that very much love you Earl Ray❤️

I had the great pleasure of playing golf with Earl on a number of occasions and besides being a true gentleman he was one heck of a fine player.  He always had a smile and a kind word for all and when I had some health issues he put aside his problems to check on me. I will truly miss seeing him. 

Today my heart aches because  Earl Ray  is gone.  I love him and I miss him.  I could not have had a better brother.  There is a big void in my life and the grief is unbearable.  Lawrence/Jr.


I am so very sorry for your loss. I had known Earl for the better part of the last 13 years. I met him through Keith Dudney.  Keith , Bob Conway, Earl and myself were  a frequent Golf Team in many Shipyard Golf Tournaments.  Earl  always had a kind word to say to everyone he met and no one was a stranger, he seemed to know everybody and everybody knew Earl. Earl was more than a friend. I loved Earl like a brother. I missed him when we didn't play golf together and I will miss him even more now that he is gone.    

Uncle Earl was closer in age to being a brother than an uncle.  We all grew up together in Sun, West Virginia, graduated from same school.  And even though our lives took different directions, we somehow managed to keep in touch.  He will be missed.  

Uncle Earl was my Father’s brother & although we didn’t see each other very much, he was always such a good & kind hearted person. I’ll miss you Uncle Earl. Prayers & condolences. 

OBITUARY

Earl Ray Gibson

September 23, 1948 – January 4, 2019

Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home & Memorial Park

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